By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – The St. James Parish School Board approved a resolution at a special meeting Friday calling for a special election on April 2 in which voters will decide whether or not to renew millages dedicated to funding the salaries of district employees and the maintenance and construction of school facilities.

The first item is a 6.04 millage renewal, and the renewal period is 10 years. The second is a 6 mill renewal, also for a period of 10 years. The last renewal on the ballot is a 10-year, 7 mill renewal.

Said St. James Business Services Administrative Director Jim Mitchell, “The first three items that are up for renewal are very critical for our operations.”

It was noted that all three items are renewals of existing taxes and will bring no tax increases for citizens of St. James.

The last item on the ballot will be the authorization of the district to acquire $20 million in 20-year general obligation bonds for construction projects such as the renovation of both high school stadiums in the parish. These would also be covered by an existing millage.

The School Board also approved a contract with First Student to take over the districts transportation.

Superintendent Alonzo Luce said before the district finalized the contract, it met with the current bus drivers in a focus group setting.

He added that while existing bus drivers will remain district employees unless they choose to become First Student employees, all new drivers will fall under the new contract.

He added that the new agreement could be a boon to some of the district’s veteran bus drivers because they will be allowed to retire from the district — thus receiving pension checks — and then sign on with First Student. Those with enough years of service under their belts will essentially be eligible to start receiving two paychecks in the coming school year.

Board member Patricia Schexnayder said she had received some phone call from bus drivers who were concerned they would be forced to enter into employment with First Student.

“This is a voluntary thing,” said Director of Student Services Gaynell Albert. “Nobody’s being made to leave St. James Parish school district.”

To allay any lingering concerns, however, the board agreed to draft an explanatory letter that will be sent to all current bus drivers.

Lastly, the board agreed to award all fulltime employees of the district a one-time $500 Christmas pay supplement. The funds for the supplement will come from one-time dollars awarded to the district.

“We think it will be a good morale boost for our staff,” said Luce.